Fuel Efficiency Coach

Drust, when designing AKOLYT, made sure driving more efficiently also meant having fun while doing so. Once statistics are gathered from a most recent trip, your driving score is calculated, and then you see the results compared to your fellow AKOLYT drivers. This could be a close group of friends, colleagues with the same commute, carpool parents, or pretty much anyone in the AKOLYT community. Climb the leader board. Earn badges. Lock in bonus point. Challenge friends who claim they are better drivers. By playing the game, you are becoming a fuel efficiency master and at the same, reducing your carbon footprint. Sounds like a win-win situation. Well, unless your neighbor is a better, more efficient driver.

AKOLYT, during each trip, advises you in real-time on how to drive more efficiently. After numerous tests in the field courtesy of Team Drust, a driver can expect savings of 30% on their gas bill annually. That translates into a reduction of 400 kg (880 lbs) of CO2 emissions per year, per driver. The company’s goal is to make everyone a super driver.

So how does the AKOLYT work?

We’ve all been driving in our car and suddenly we see the “check engine” light illuminate our dash. Is it a serious problem? Am I going to make it to my final destination? I’ll just ride it out and take it in during my next service date. All of these thoughts pop into our heads when that dreaded “check engine” light comes on. One thing is pretty certain: we really have no idea what caused it to go on in the first place. Oil? Air Filter? Spark Plug? Your guess is as good as mine.

Guardian Angel

Outside of being a fuel efficiency coach, the AKOLYT connects to your car’s diagnostic system (OBD) and scans your car for issues. The device connects to the diagnostic panel under the steering column and provides real-time maintenance feedback. This is done by Bluetooth technology and delivered directly to your smartphone, in real time. Drust calls it the “guardian angel” feature. Whether you’re on a road trip or just concerned about your car’s overall health, the AKOLYT gives you up-to-date maintenance alerts. It tells you exactly what the issue is so when you bring your car into the shop, you’re armed with the problem and most likely, the resolution and its related cost; great for the car owner and a mechanic’s nightmare. Consider the AKOLYT the WebMD of auto repair. Everyone knows the problem before the checkup.

Connected Assistance

By plugging the AKOLYT into your car’s diagnostic port, the technology starts analyzing everything under the hood. Sending the information by Bluetooth to your smartphone, the AKOLYT is constantly keeping track of your car’s performance. From generating real-time statistics on your braking patterns to a full diagnostic scan of your car, there are no more surprises. By providing drivers with empowering information, there is really no excuse to not maximize fuel efficiency via altering driving patterns. This technological marvel is your partner in crime against CO2 emissions.

AKOLYT Availability and Compatibility

Here are the only drawbacks: first and foremost, the AKOLYT does not work with trucks or motorcycles. The technology only works with cars and not electric ones, for that matter; and two: as it stands right now, the AKOLYT is only available in 30 European countries (click here for the list); however, Drust anticipates an overseas launch date in 2017. So if you’re an electric motorcycle owner living in the U.S., patience is a virtue.

Final Thoughts

Bottom line: Drust created a really cool piece of technology. The AKOLYT is groundbreaking because it offers a solution and at the same time, is eco-friendly. From its real-time fuel efficiency coaching to its diagnostic capabilities, AKOLYT, powered by Drust, receives the highest of accolades for its innovation.